Plan ahead when you go grocery shopping.

Save money with grocery shopping

Most of the food and materials I needed for my "feasts" were already in my kitchen. These included vegetables, cheese, milk, flour, pots, blender, oven—and bandages! I was staying with my uncle and cousin (my aunt was also out of the country) and cooking skills were limited!

I advise you to plan ahead when you go grocery shopping. Think of what you plan on making the following week so you have all the ingredients and materials ready.

This way you won't have to go to the grocery store numerous times during the week.

I bought two packs of strawberries that were on sale for $3.25, a dozen eggs for $2.75, and salad dressing for $2.35. It all added up to less than $10 and I still had money left that I saved for the next trip to the store.

For $5, I could buy a dry burger, oily fries, and watery soda for just one meal, a meal that probably was not worth the money in the first place.

Advantages to cooking at home

Here's a refreshing drink: avocado shake—it's great!

Cooking at home can save time because there is no line or waiting around. This also means you can work at your own pace.

Also, you can be healthier when you make your own food because you are aware of what exactly you're putting in your body.

Experience with cooking will help you prepare to live on your own. When you attend college, it is important to have a balanced diet in order to focus and do well in school.

Plus, good food attracts guests for parties. Appetizers such as sandwiches, chips, and homemade dips give a party a more “tasteful” feeling.

Being able to cook by yourself gives you a sense of independence. You can express your personality through your cooking by changing the flavor: spices, lemon, various veggies, and candy.

The way you present your food illustrates your creativity. You can serve tacos or appetizers on bright colored plates, or serve a beverage with an umbrella or lemon.

At first the thought of cooking seems like a lot work, but there are ways to enjoy it...

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